CEO Raimo Karjalainen in the Finnish Weapon Producer Sako Oy.(PhotoPekka Suuronen)
The National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) to procure new rifles from Sako Oy to strengthen Nordic NATO-defence.
The National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) and Sako Oy signed a collaboration agreement on 11 April 2023 at the Sako factory in Riihimäki, Finland.
Sako Oy will deliver semi-automatic single-shot firearms to the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) for training purposes. The firearms specified in the deal will be delivered in 2024. The total value of the procurement is 1,6 million euros and further to the firearms includes, e.g. weapons equipment and spare components.
The rifles have a calibre of 5.56×45 / 223Rem. The firearms are compatible with rounds of either calibre.
”Thanks to MPK for the trust we have received. We are glad to support Finnish national defence training on our part and believe that this procurement will play a significant role in Finland’s national defence capability and training. The Finnish Defence Forces and MPK will have the same basic structure of products, which will certainly offer synergy benefits to both parties. It is also great that national defence training can rely on a domestic product, as this will also improve the security of supply”, states Raimo Karjalainen, Sako Group CEO and Board Member.
The rifles will primarily be used for the training provided by the National Defence Training Association of Finland that is designed to contribute to military readiness and is based on the firearm training programme of the Finnish Defence Forces. The training is attended by voluntary reserve members and other participants engaging in voluntary national defence training.
”We are pleased that it was possible to select from several high-quality products as part of our tendering process. Based on usage and suitability tests, this procurement will supply us with a product that matches our requirements extremely well. In the future, we will be even better positioned to respond to the high demand for training in the use of firearms across the entire nation”, says Antti Lehtisalo, MPK Executive Director.
The rifles to be delivered are based on the same AR construction as the new firearms supplied to the Finnish and Swedish Defence Forces, which Sako Oy published a news report about in March 2023, writes Sako Oy in a press release.
About Sako
Sako is one the world’s most prestigious rifle and cartridge brands. Our acclaimed reputation, high quality products and credibility are rooted in our employees’ unique skills and pride in what they do.
Established in 1921, Sako has an eventful history. First created to refurbish and service firearms for the Civil Guard in Finland, Sako has played a key role in Finland’s defence and has been trusted supplier to dozens of defence departments around the world.
Over the years the company has consistently grown by focusing on production excellence, honoring its dedicated craftsman and personnel, and providing innovative solutions to shooters’ emerging needs.
For decades Sako has developed world-class military, target and hunting rifles, as well as cartridges. By integrating its knowledge of both the rifle and cartridge production, Sako brand can offer a shooter the unique advantages of uncompromising accuracy and reliability. Our main fields of operation include the design, production, marketing and global sales of military, hunting and sporting rifles as well as cartridges.
In 2000, Sako joined Beretta Holding Group, a company with unique firearms traditions reaching all the way back to 1526. This cooperation provides Sako with the unique capability to provide comprehensive, all-encompassing solutions and systems for our customers.
Now Sako looks ahead more confidently than ever. We proudly carry on the rifle manufacturing knowledge and skills, with the utmost respect towards the surrounding nature.
About Beretta Defense Technologies
BDT – Beretta Defense Technologies is the strategic alliance of Beretta Holding companies that provide products and services to enable superior performance in the Defense and Law Enforcement communities. State-of-the-art machinery, extensive research and development capabilities, and long-standing worldwide experiences allow BDT-member company products to respond to the ever-changing needs of defense and security personnel. Together, they offer one of the most complete offerings in the industry: including various services, firearms, ammunition, optics and electro-optics as well as tactical clothing.
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